BLUE RIBBON AIRLINE COMMITTEE TO FOCUS ON AIRLIFT TO ST. CROIX

March 19, 2008

Consistent with the Administration’s major focus on increasing airlift to St. Croix, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Wednesday named members to the St. Croix Blue Ribbon Airline Committee.

"To be successful in our goal of increasing air traffic to St. Croix, we must begin the process of strengthening our relationships with existing air carriers and develop innovative strategies to attract additional carriers," deJongh said. As he did earlier today when he created the Cruise Ship Working Group, deJongh said that such objectives can best be achieved through a partnership of private and public members.

"I anticipate this committee will meet at least six times per year to review and provide suggestions on the marketing strategy for maintaining and increasing airlift to St. Croix. Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Patrick Henry, President of the Hotel and Tourism Association will co-chair the Committee.

Other members include:

Omer Erselcuk, President, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce

Rupert Ross, President, Frederiksted Economic Development Authority

Christine Hilty, President of the Christiansted Retailers & Restaurant Association

Larry Kupfer, President, Hovensa, LLC

Joel Tutein, Superintendent of the V.I. National Park

Michael Navarro, Representative of American Airlines

Elizabeth Armstrong, General Manager, The Buccaneer Hotel

DeJongh said his Administration remains committed to building an identity and brand for St. Croix, a marketing strategy that will allow St. Croix to stand out differently from the other Virgin Islands. "We will continue to provide the funds necessary to branding St. Croix while at the same time, reaching out to the airlines to promote St. Croix. We will also look at what incentives the Port Authority can provide to attract additional air traffic to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport."

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